If you’re looking for a fresh, crunchy side dish that is quick to make and holds up well in the fridge, this Asian Cabbage Slaw is one of my go-to recipes. It takes just a few minutes to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and the flavour gets even better as it sits.
This slaw is great as a side dish, salad, or topping for rice bowls, wraps, or grilled protein. It’s also perfect for meal prep, since cabbage stays crisp longer than lettuce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make
- Budget friendly ingredients
- Great for weekly meal prep
- Stays crunchy in the fridge
- Light, fresh, and flavourful
If you prefer to see the process, you can watch the quick video below where I make this easy Asian cabbage slaw step by step.
Ingredients
Slaw
- ½ red cabbage
- ½ green cabbage
- 1 large carrot
- 5 stalks green onion
Sauce
Small squeeze of honey
6 tbsp soy sauce
3 tsp sesame oil
3 tbsp rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage
Remove the core from both the red and green cabbage. This makes slicing much easier. Thinly slice the cabbage and add it to a large bowl. - Grate the carrot
Using a grater, grate the carrot so it becomes nice and thin. Add it to the bowl with the cabbage. - Slice the green onions
Thinly slice the green onions and add them to the slaw mixture. - Make the dressing
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey. - Combine everything
Pour the sauce over the cabbage mixture and toss well until everything is evenly coated. - Let it sit
Let the slaw sit for at least 20–30 minutes so the flavours can soak into the cabbage.
Tips for the Best Slaw
- Core the cabbage first before slicing — it makes cutting much easier.
- Grating the carrot helps it mix more evenly throughout the slaw.
- Letting it sit allows the cabbage to soften slightly while still keeping its crunch.
Storage
This slaw keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days, making it great for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container and give it a quick toss before serving.
Serving Ideas
This cabbage slaw pairs well with:
- Rice bowls
- Grilled chicken or tofu
- Dumplings or potstickers
- Teriyaki dishes
- Wraps or lettuce cups
It’s a simple recipe, but one that’s incredibly versatile and easy to make again and again.